ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
Day 3: 2nd Agriculture Deputies Meeting
The third and final day of the second Agricultural Deputies Meeting was organized in Chandigarh today. The day started with a discussion on the outcome document, addressed first by Smt. Shubha Thakur, Joint Secretary  and carried forward by Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Additional Secretary, DA&FW.
The day continued with two consecutive sessions focused on drafting the Communiqué by the member countries of G20 and was marked by elaborate discussions. Delegates from other invited countries and international organizations also put forth their viewpoints during the session and contributed towards an inclusive discussion on the Communiqué drafting exercise.
After the session, Secretary, DA&FW, Shri Manoj Ahuja addressed the press briefing and said that he hopes discussion on the Draft Communiqué and the deliberations will pave way for agreement on focus areas, which include food security and nutrition, climate smart agriculture, inclusive agriculture value chains and food systems and digitalization for agricultural transformation, keeping the spirit of ‘One Earth, One Family and One Future’.
The day drew to a formal closure of the Agriculture Deputies Meeting with a wrap-up session, followed by a visit to the historic Yadavindra Gardens located in Pinjore, Haryana. Around 85 delegates joined the farewell dinner and concluded the event on a positive note.
Ministry of Labour & Employment
Establishments Employing 50 or More Employees Required To Provide Creche Facility
As per the Maternity Benefit  Act, 2017, the establishments employing 50 or more employees are required to provide crèche facility, either separately or along with common facilities within a prescribed distance.
As per the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, the appropriate Government for enforcement of the provisions of this Act is concerned State Government for all industries, shops and establishments except mines and circus. After the Maternity Benefit  Act, 2017, the Ministry of Labour and Employment has issued advisories to all State Governments/UT Administration for effective enforcement of the provisions of the Act in letter and spirit. Data on provision of mandatory crèche services at establishments is not maintained centrally. The complaints received for violation of provision of the Act by respective Governments are dealt with as per the provisions of the Act.
This information was given by Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar Union Minister of State  for Labour and Employment in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Education
University of Delhi holds panel discussion as part of International Women's Day in New Delhi
On the occasion of the International Women’s Day 2020, Law Centre II, Faculty of Law, University of Delhi organized a panel discussion on “Women Empowerment: New Dimensions.” The program started with the ceremonial lighting of lamp followed by welcome address by Prof. VK Ahuja, the Prof-in-charge of Law Centre-II in which he introduced the eminent panel of women dignitaries, namely Professor Kamala Sankaran of Campus Law Centre, Faculty of Law; Professor Pami Dua of Department of Economics, Professor Kavita Sharma of Department of Commerce, Delhi School of Economics; Professor Geeta Bhatt of NCWEB, and Ms Priyanka Mishra, Additional Director, Government of Madhya Pradesh.
The first speaker Professor Geeta Bhatt while enlisting the new dimensions said, “When nature created women, it made women with inherent qualities of strength and ability to withhold and execute responsibilities.” She also highlighted the contribution of women in diverse fields across the ages. Professor Pami Dua stressing upon the need of a vibrant universe said that it is “important to recognize the role of women not only for the world but also for the sake of humanity”. She also said that “Women bring life, colour and meaning to our otherwise mundane existence; and they are not the marginalized section of the society but deserve rights as natural rights”.
Professor Kamala Sankaran while talking about the recent developments in the legal field with respect to women empowerment gave the example of first woman advocate enrolled in 1924 which necessitated a change in the law of the Bar. While she stated that women’s contribution in the tertiary sector is increasing, she also said that there is a reason of concern as the recent data shows a decline of women’s employment in informal and especially the agricultural sector. She also quoted several recent judgments of the Apex Court wherein the judiciary has played a pro-active role in ensuring a dignified and equitable humane existence to all irrespective of their gender. Professor Kavita Sharma emphasized upon the need to stop stereotyping of women and asked for equality in responsibilities in addition to equality in employments. Dr Rajni Abbi in addition to moderating the session said that the need is the “generations to be taught equality at home for a creation of utopian society”. She pointedly remarked that even today, in the corporate environment it is tough to find women in the board of directors. The program Director Dr. Pinki Sharma felicitated the guests and the discussion ended with the vote of thanks proposed by Dr. Vageshwari Deswal.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
RESEARCH IN REGENERATIVE MEDICINE
The Government of India has conducted stem cell research through various Departments/ Institutions by supporting basic as well as clinical research through national funding agencies like the Indian Council of Medical Research , Department of Biotechnology  and Department of Science and Technology . The work done in this field has resulted in the establishment of state-of-art infrastructure at over 40 premier health research and educational institutes in addition to supporting industry initiatives in India.
ICMR has released the National Guidelines for Stem Cell Research  2017 which were framed in harmonization of international guidelines. Government has supported the ethical and scientific conduct of stem cell research through guidelines for stem cell research. Government supports using hematopoietic cell transplantation  for hematological disorders, as standard of care, as per NGSCR-2017.
ICMR has also released Evidence Based Status of Stem Cell Therapy for Human Diseases for creating awareness and understanding regarding experimental use of stem cells under the purview of clinical trial and the document is available at the following link:
https://main.icmr.nic.in/sites/default/files/upload_documents/Evidence_Based_Status_of_Stem_Cell_Therapy_for_Human_Diseases_v1.pdf
The Government has notified the New Drugs and Clinical Trial Rules, 2019 for regulation of clinical trials and New Drugs including cell & stem cell derived product, gene therapeutics product and xenografts for human use, which contains various provisions for improving transparency and accountability for the approval process and to promote research and development of the new drugs.
The total funds released by Indian Council of Medical Research  during last three years under Stem cell research in fellowships and Ad-hoc project, are as below:
|
|
Year
|
|
Total funds released 
|
|
2019
|
|
4,36,19,531/-
|
|
2020
|
|
68,82,564/-
|
|
2021
|
|
3,08,34,008/-
The Department of Biotechnology  has supported projects for basic biology of stem cells; early and late translational research; developing gene editing technology for potential therapeutic applications and creation of animal models for various human diseases. The funds released by the DBT during the last three years and the current year in this area is Rs. 7345.58 Lakh.
The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar stated this in a written reply in the LokSabha today.
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
Paradip Port Authority  becomes fastest Major Port to handle 50 MMT Cargo in current fiscal
Paradip Port achieved a major milestone by clocking record cargo throughput of 50.16 MMT Cargo on 8th August, 2023, by exhibiting 6.5% growth over the corresponding period of previous fiscal. This feat has been achieved by the Port in 129 days in the current fiscal compared to 140 days during the previous year. PPA has also handled record 942 nos. of Vessels in comparison to 812 nos. handled in the corresponding period of previous fiscal.
For the above feat, Shri P.L. Haranadh, Chairman, PPA expressed his gratitude to Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Port Shipping and Waterways  under whose dynamic leadership and guidance, PPA could turn a new chapter. He said, “Together, with the unwavering support of our dedicated workforce and the collective will of our nation, we shall continue to script remarkable success stories for Paradip Port—a story that exemplifies growth, sustainability, and a brighter tomorrow for generations to come.”
Shri Haranadh also congratulated all Officers/Employees, the user Industries, Stevedores, Steamer Agents, Trade Unions, PPP Operators to have their continued faith in the ability of the Port to serve them.
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
Landmark Consumer Protection Bill, 2019 gets Parliamentary approval
Consumer Protection Bill, 2019 would ease the overall process of consumer grievance redressal: Shri Ramvilas Paswan
The Parliament today gave its nod to the landmark Consumer Protection Bill, 2019 which aims to protect the rights of consumers by establishing authorities for timely and effective administration and settlement of consumers’ dispute. The Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha on 30th July, 2019 and was passed by Rajya Sabha today through a voice vote. The Bill will replace the more than three decades old Consumer Protection Act, 1986.
Moving the bill for consideration and passing in Rajya Sabha, Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Shri Ramvilas Paswan said that the new legislation would ease the overall process of consumer grievance redressal. Shri Paswan said that this new bill will provide a better mechanism to dispose consumer complaints in a speedy manner and will help in disposal of large number of pending cases in consumer courts across the nation. Shri Paswan stated that this bill was a long pending legislation and all the recommendations of the Parliamentary Standing Committee were incorporated in the bill except for five recommendations. Shri Paswan also assured all the members of Parliament that their suggestions would be incorporated in the rules to the extent possible within the legal framework.
The bill, among other things, proposes setting up of a Central Consumer Protection Authority  to promote, protect and enforce the rights of consumers as a class. The CCPA would make interventions to prevent consumer detriment arising from unfair trade practices. The agency can also initiate class action, including enforcing recall, refund and return of products.
The Bill also envisages simplified dispute resolution process, has provision for Mediation and e-filing of cases. The Consumer will be able to file cases in the nearest commission under the jurisdiction of which he resides.
For the first time there will be an exclusive law dealing with Product Liability. A manufacturer or product service provider or product seller will now be responsible to compensate for injury or damage caused by defective product or deficiency in services.
Additional swift executive remedies are proposed in the bill through CCPA. There are provisions for deterrent punishment to check misleading advertisements and adulteration of products. Product liability provision to deter manufacturers and service providers from delivering defective products or deficient services. The Bill also enables regulations to be notified on E-commerce and direct selling with focus on protection of interest of consumers.
Ministry of Defence
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh unveils India’s First Indigenously Designed & Developed Driverless Metro Car; Calls it a manifestation of the true spirit of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, unveiled state-of-the-art ‘Driverless Metro Car’ for Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority  at a function held at BEML’s Bangalore Complex on 15 January 2021. Indigenously designed & developed state-of-the-art Driverless Metro trains are being manufactured at BEML Bangaluru Complex.
Speaking on the occasion Shri Rajnath Singh, said MMRDA project has 63 per cent indigenous content which will enhance to 75 per cent in next two to three years. “This reflects Indian Industry’s overwhelming response to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s Atmanairbhar Bharat Abhiyan call” he said. Raksha Mantri said this driver-less metro project will act as a source of inspiration to other Indian companies, particularly the defence industry to help India emerge as a manufacturing hub which, in turn, will fulfil 5 Billion US Dollar defence export target and 25 Billion US Dollar defence industry turn over by 2025. Raksha Mantri said Ministry of Defence has taken a number of steps like introducing Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy  2020 and new Defence Acquisition Policy incorporating provisions for purchasing equipment and platforms with more indigenous technology. Citing the government’s recent decision to procure 83 Tejas fighter aircrafts from HAL at the cost of nearly Rs. 50 thousand Crore, Raksha Mantri said it will create over 50000 new job opportunities and “about 500 Indian companies including MSMEs as well as private companies will get a business boost with the HAL’s Tejas project.”
Shri Rajnath Singh expressed hope that MMRDA driver-less technology will lead to its expansion into other fields of defence such as tanks and fighter planes in the future. While appreciating BEML, Raksha Mantri termed the company as a true ‘Atmanirbhar Warrior’. He expressed his happiness that the Covid-19 pandemic, which has halted progress across the world, has had almost no impact on the production activities of BEML and DPSUs.
Welcoming Raksha Mantri, Chairman & Managing Director, BEML Dr. Deepak Kumar Hota, said,” Raksha Mantri’s visit to BEML is a true reflection of the unstinted support and encouragement that he is providing to BEML. BEML’s foray into metro manufacturing has been a defining moment for the urban transportation scenario of the country. With a major market share in the country in direct competition with well-established international players, BEML has made its mark as the only Indian company in this high technology field.”
Shri Rajnath Singh also virtually launched the Aerospace Assembly Hangar, situated within BEML’s Bangalore Complex, and unveiled first indigenously manufactured Tatra Cabin by BEML.
Secretary, Defence Production Shri Raj Kumar and other senior officials of MoD and BEML were also present on the occasion.
Ministry of Defence
‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’- Flag Hosting at Anjadip Island
Mumbai: 14 August 2021
Hon'ble Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh formally launched various events virtually from New Delhi in commemoration of 'Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav' yesterday .
In accordance with those initiatives, a flag hoisting ceremony was undertaken at Anjadip Island through an event, centrally coordinated at New Delhi. The flag hoisting ceremony was presided by Rear Admiral Mahesh Singh, Flag Officer Commanding Karnataka Naval Area, with Naval Band playing the National Anthem.
The event was attended by Veterans, NCC cadets, School children and media personnel from local media houses in addition to the Officers & men of Karnataka Naval Area.
Historical significance of Anjadip Island
The Island, which extends over 1.5 square Kilometres was under Portuguese occupation till 1961, well after our country's independence from the British in 1947. The conquest of Goa by the Portuguese was launched from this island. Anjadip Island also played a pivotal role in the liberation of Goa from the Portuguese. The Indian Navy's 'Operation Vijay' was initiated on the 18th of Dec 1961. Seven sailors paid the ultimate sacrifice while two officers and seventeen sailors were wounded. The Naval task force captured the Anjadip Island which ended the Portuguese rule in India.
Defence/CP/PM
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PIB Headquarters
ISRO to launch its heaviest satellite, GSAT-11 on Dec 5, 2018
ISRO to launch its heaviest satellite, GSAT-11 on Dec 5, 2018, at 2.08 am from French Guiana. Dr. Sivan Chairman ISRO said this while addressing the scientist after the completion of the launch of PSLV C-43 successfully, which had one indigenously build HysIS satellite and 30 foreign co-passenger Satellites.
He said within 15 days of its previous launch, ISRO today has undertaken another launch. In the month of December, ISRO has planned two more launches, GSAT 11 from French Guiana and GSAT 7A from Sriharikota. Next year, ISRO will have its long expected second mission to moon, Chandrayaan – II, expected in the month of January.
While congratulating the ISRO scientist, he said it is a very proud moment to the nation as the HysIS, launched by PSLV C43, was indigenously designed and built. He also thanked the foreign countries for posing faith in India to launch their Satellites. With today’s success, India has launched 269 foreign satellites.
Prime Minister's Office
Hamid Karzai calls on PM
H.E. Mr. Hamid Karzai, Former President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, met Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today.
The Prime Minister conveyed heartfelt greetings to the people of Afghanistan on behalf of 1.3 billion people of India and on his own behalf on 100 years of Independence of Afghanistan today.
The former President thanked India for strong all-round support and expressed happiness at the extra-ordinary goodwill between the people of two countries.
The Prime Minister reiterated the continued support of India for peace, security and stability of an inclusive, united, truly independent and democratic Afghanistan.
Ministry of Electronics & IT
The Secretary, MeitY launches Technology for Air Quality Monitoring System 
The Secretary, MeitY, Shri Alkesh Kumar Sharma has launched the Technology for Air Quality Monitoring System  developed under MeitY supported projects, here yesterday.
The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing , Kolkata in collaboration with TeXMIN, ISM, Dhanbad under the ‘National programme on Electronics and ICT applications in Agriculture and Environment ’ has developed a outdoor air quality monitoring station to monitor environmental pollutants which includes parameters like PM 1.0, PM 2.5, PM 10.0, SO2, NO2, CO, O2, ambient temperature, relative humidity etc., for continuous air quality analysis of the environment.
Few glimpses of the technology transfer
The Air Quality Monitoring System , was also transferred to the selected industry J.M. EnviroLab Private Limited for further commercialization of the same technology for deployment at different mine and cement industries. The transfer of technology  was done at MeitY, New Delhi in which a ToT agreement has been signed between Senior Director & Centre Head, C-DAC, Kolkata and Dr. Deepa Taneja, CEO, J.M.EnviroLab Private Limited, in the presence of Shri Alkesh Kumar Sharma, Secretary, Shri Bhuvnesh Kumar, Additional Secretary, MeitY, Smt Sunita Verma, Group Coordinator, MeitY, Shri Naveen Kumar Vidyarthi, Director , MoEFCC, Dr. Basanta Kumar Das, Director, ICAR-CIFRI, Shri Debasis Mazumdar, Senior Director & Centre Head, C-DAC, Kolkata, Shri Om Krishan Singh, Scientist ‘D’, MeitY, other industry partners, project team members and other respected dignitaries representing various users and ministry.
Prime Minister's Office
Chauri Chaura martyrs have not been given due prominence: PM
The Prime Minister today lamented the fact that martyrs of Chauri Chaura have not been given due prominence in the pages of history. He said our efforts to bring forth the stories of the lesser known martyrs and freedom fighters before the nation will be a real tribute to them. This is all the more relevant in the year when the country is entering 75th year of independence, he said. Shri Modi was speaking after inaugurating ‘Chauri Chaura’ Centenary Celebrations at Chauri Chaura, Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh today through video conference.
The Prime Minister said that it is unfortunate that martyrs of Chauri Chaura are not discussed as much as they should be. Chauri Chaura was self-motivated struggle of common people. “Even if revolutionaries of this struggle were not given due prominence in the pages of history, there blood is mingled with the soil of this nation” stressed the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister said that it is rare to find a single episode in the freedom struggle where 19 freedom fighters were hanged for one event. Shri Modi remembered the efforts of Baba Raghavdas and Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya who saved about 150 people from the gallows.
The Prime Minister expressed happiness that the entire campaign is associating the students and youth in the efforts to explore the lesser known aspects of the freedom struggle. He mentioned the Education Ministry’s invitation to the young writers to write books on freedom fighters. Lives of the many freedom fighters of Chauri Chaura may be brought before the country, hoped the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister said it is true tribute to our freedom fighters that these ‘Chauri Chaura’ Centenary Celebrations are being linked to local art and culture and AatamNirbharta. He also lauded the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Shri Yogi Adityanath and Uttar Pradesh Government for organizing the event.
PIB Headquarters
Due dates for BSNL landline Bill Payment
The due dates without fine for monthly and bimonthly bill for Landline customers of Thiruvananthapuram BSNL for the month of December 2017 is 27th and 28th December respectively. Customers can pay their bills at nearest BSNL customer service centers, Post offices and Janaseva Kendras, Customers can also pay their bills through the BSNL online portal or through the mobile application ‘My BSNL App’. Customers are requested to pay their bills on or before the due date.
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